In 2024, Brazil the greatest number of cases of mental disorders of the last decade, showing the urgency to take care of mental health
The new government standard tries to reduce metals disorders, caused by overload, harassment and toxic environments, promoting greater safety and well -being at work
Green April is a month dedicated to awareness of health and safety at work, a topic that becomes even more urgent in the face of an alarming number of mental disorders. In 2024, Brazil recorded 472,000 cases of this type, with an increase of 68% compared to 2023 and the largest number of the last decade, according to the Ministry of Social Security.
The government standard aims to reduce mental disorders
Given this scenario, the regulatory standard n. 1 (NR-1) becomes an essential tool to promote healthier work environments.
His recent update strengthens the need to prevent mental diseases, imposing companies to adopt measures against factors such as work overload, harassment and toxic environments. Consequently, nr-1 not only strengthens the culture of prevention, but also contributes directly to the reduction of the removal and the well-being of workers. “Nr1 requires a more careful look at mental health at work. But more than a legal obligation, companies face this change as an opportunity to transform organizational culture and promote a healthier environment,” says the psychologist Denise Milk.
The new regulatory standard n. 1 (NR1), which entered into force in May, requires companies to adopt practices that prevent employees’s mental illness. “The legislation is an important step, but it is not enough in itself. What will really make the difference will be the way the organizations deal with this change. The corporate culture and leaders are essential to guarantee healthy work environments,” says the psychologist Denise Milk.
New requests with particular attention to mental health
Companies that do not meet the requirements of the new NR-1 can face penalties. These are fines that can exceed R $ 6,000, until the partial or total interdiction of activities in more serious cases. Inspection tries to ensure that organizations implement effective measures to prevent workers’s mental illness.
Prevention
To ensure a healthier and more productive work environment, some measures are needed. Denise Milk of psychologist and mental health suggests that companies adopt the following practices:
Dialogue: Encourage the open and respectful communication between leaders and employees reduces conflicts and improves commitment.
Avoid working overload: The distribution of tasks in a balanced way helps prevent the mental and physical exhaustion of employees.
Mental health programs: Providing psychological support, lessons and preventive actions can make a difference in the quality of life of the team.
Safe and welcoming environment: Fighting harassment, discrimination and toxic practices is essential for the well -being of employees.
Breaks and flexibility: Allow appropriate intervals and, when possible, hybrid or remote work options contribute to the balance between professional and personal life.
Recognition and appreciation: Positive feedback, benefits and career plans increase motivation and reduce turnover.
For the expert, to ensure that a healthy corporate environment is not limited to legislation, but must be rooted in organizational culture. “If the company maintains a culture that appreciates only extreme productivity, without pauses, the risk of mental illness will always be high,” he concludes.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.